Bubble Maps
By Lauren Blackmon
Thinking Maps
Based on a fundamental thinking
skill
Consistent graphic language
Easily transferred across different
curriculums
Bubble Maps:
A Cognitive Tool
 A Bubble Map is
used for enriching
students’ abilities to
identify qualities
and use descriptive
words.
 Bubble Maps
address concrete
and conceptual
elements of a given
topic.
 tall, hard, deep
(concrete)
 sad, smart, pious
(conceptual).
Bubble Map: Describing Qualities
Descriptive Qualities
Using Adjectives and
Adjective Phrases
(Or listing Qualities)
Topic
Bubble Map: Describing Qualities
friendly
active
Alyssa
eclectic
helpful
obnoxious
UDL Application: Visual & Kinesthetic
eclectic
obnoxious
Bubble Map: ELA Applications
Expanding descriptive vocabulary
Describing characters using adjectives
Providing descriptive details for
writing
Springboard for more comprehensive
exploration of topic
Bubble Map: Across the Curriculum
Language Arts/Characterization
smart
creative
competitive
Katniss
(Hunger
Games)
clueless
protective
beautiful
Bubble Map: ELA-Writing prompt
Selfdiscovering
scary
active
The
teenage
years
are…
rebellious
exciting
frustrating
Bubble Map: Math Applications
 Identify properties of numbers
 Describing attributes of geometric figures
 Establishing criteria for evaluation
 Springboard for more comprehensive
exploration of topic
Bubble Map: Math/Geometry
Right
Angle
Three
sided
Triangle
Acute
Sum
of
180°
Obtuse
Sum of
180°
Right
angle
Three
sided
Triangle
Acute
obtuse
Bubble Map: Science Applications
Describing properties of things
Identifying essential properties of
an organism
Establishing criteria (values) for
experimentation
Springboard for more comprehensive
exploration of topic
Bubble Map: Science
big
heavy
Igneous
sedimentary
hard
2 or more
minerals
Rocks
heavy
smooth
small
metamorphic
rough
Bubble Maps: Social Studies Application
Describing key characteristics of
cultures
Analyzing stereotypes
Distinguishing between facts and
opinions
Springboard for more
comprehensive exploration of topic
Bubble Map: Across the CurriculumSocial Studies
Nile
River
Pharaohs
Gods and
Goddesses
scribes
Ancient Egypt
mummies
pyramids
Hieroglyphics
Bubble Maps
and the
Multiple Intelligences
Verbal Linguistic Student:
seeing, writing,
discussing, and
debating.
Mathematical Logical Student:
work with patterns,
relationships,
classifying, and
abstract concepts
Visual Spatial Student:
pictures, colors,
drawing, visualization,
Kinesthetic Student:
tactile, moving
Interpersonal Student:
comparing, relating,
sharing, cooperative
Intrapersonal Student:
work alone, reflective,
self-paced